A sharp is defined as any medical instrument that has a sharp point that can cut through the skin. However, not all sharps are only used in medical facilities. Nearly 10 percent of Americans are diabetic and need to use syringes for insulin injections, and many other diseases that require the use of sharps at home. Pets can also be diabetic and require syringes. In many states, it is illegal to dispose of sharps in anything except a sharps container.
Why Are Sharps Containers Important
Sharing needles is often the cause of AIDS (HIV) and other blood-borne infections spreading amongst intravenous drug users. For this same reason, it is essential to place used sharps into sharps containers in order to prevent spreading infection from needle injuries to medical personnel. Sharps containers are important because they protect healthcare workers and others from being injured by needles, lancets, and other sharp objects.
Sharps containers are specially designed to hold sharps safely and securely until they can be properly disposed of. Some sharps containers have a locking mechanism that helps to keep the contents inside safe and secure. Others have a seal that helps to prevent any liquid or debris from leaking out.
Sharps containers come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that will best meet your needs. They are also available in different colors, so you can easily identify them when they need to be emptied.
Different Sharps Containers
A sharps container is a term for a specially-made container that is used for medical needles and other sharp medical instruments. There are two different types of sharps containers:
Single-use sharps containers
Single-use sharps containers are disposed of along with the waste inside. There are a few things you should know about single-use sharps containers:
1. They’re perfect for safely disposing of used needles and other sharp medical instruments.
2. They’re made of durable plastic and can be easily sealed shut to prevent any spills.
3. They’re compact and easy to carry around, so you can take them with you wherever you go.
4. Most importantly, they’re safe and conform to all safety regulations set by the government.
Reusable sharps containers
Reusable sharps containers are robotically emptied and sterilized before being returned for re-use. Reusable sharps containers can be an important part of preventing the spread of diseases. They are designed to safely collect and store used needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp medical instruments.
Before using a reusable sharps container, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Be sure to also follow local regulations for disposing of medical waste.
Examples of Sharps
- Needles, syringes, lancets, broken glass with blood on it
- Suture needles, scalpel blades, butterflies
- Vacutainer tubes
- Phlebotomy needles with vacutainer tube holder attached
- Capillary tubes
- IV catheters
- Dental anesthetic capsules with blood
- Dental wires and endodontic files
- Other sharp objects contaminated with blood, such as box cutters or knives
What items should be put in a sharps container ?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following items be placed in a sharps container,
– Syringes
– Lancets
– Needles
– Other sharp objects, such as scissors, knives, or IV tubing with needles attached
It is also important to remember to never place loose sharps in a trash can. Doing so can pose a serious risk for injury to sanitation workers and others who come into contact with the trash.
What are the OSHA requirements regarding sharps containers ?
According to OSHA Sharps(Occupational Safety and Health Administration) containers must be color-coded or labeled with the international biohazard symbol, and they must be leakproof, puncture-resistant, and resistant to crushing. They must also be large enough to hold all sharps that are generated in the workplace.
Do blood vials go in the sharps container?
No, not quantities of blood or other liquid go in the sharps container.
